And last Friday, he was a big-time playmaker and focal point for a Cougars defense that pitched a shutout and held its second straight opponent to less than 19 points.

It came at an opportunistic time for Crosby, which jumped to second in the state polls this week and opens District 21-5A play Friday at Barbers Hill. The offense put up 34 points but had a pair of touchdowns erased by penalties.

Lewis did his part, getting an interception and returning a fumble 32 yards for a touchdown in the second half.

"It felt good," he said. "We were letting the offense know we'll always have their back, no matter how bad of a game they're having."

Forces turnovers

It's not like the Crosby offense has been unproductive. The Cougars (2-0) are averaging 484.5 yards per game.

But against Angleton, they committed 22 penalties for 228 yards. Two wiped off scores to keep the game close. Crosby played much of the game without its top two running backs.

Carlos Grace, who rushed for 241 yards and four touchdowns in two games, is out with a knee injury.

So Lewis and the defense picked up the slack.

Angleton started the second half with its best drive of the night, reaching the Crosby 35. It ended with Lewis' interception, which sparked a string of five turnovers on the Wildcats' last six possessions.

Lewis, Jalen Harrison and Lance Cole recovered fumbles, and the Cougars also forced a turnover on downs.

Lewis returned his fumble to the end zone 16 seconds after the offense finally produced another score to ice the 34-0 victory.

"Joseph Pickney hit the running back, and his head hit right in the middle of the ball, and the ball went straight up in the air," Lewis said. "I saw it coming up, and I caught it like it was a pop fly in the outfield."

That's another hat Lewis wears - as an outfielder for the baseball team.